Dr. Durriyyah Kemp provides leadership in social and emotional learning in Cook County; investing in school staff, parents, students, community leaders and organizations.

Kemp graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science focusing on Community Relations and a Master of Science degree in Family and Child Ecology. She also earned a Doctorate in Education from Benedictine University.

Kemp joined the University of Illinois staff in 2006 as a Youth Development Educator providing educational programs throughout the northeast region of Illinois. She served as Chairperson of the statewide Social and Emotional Learning and Healthy Relationships committees. She is presently a member of the STEM Team focusing on the integration of social and emotional learning and overall academic success.

She has been recognized for her contributions to Social and Emotional Learning in Illinois and has received the Outstanding Innovative Programming (Team Award) for SEL.

Kemp is also a certified facilitator for the Real Colors® Personality Instrument.

Her professional affiliations include: School Policy & Standards Committee of the Illinois Children's Mental Health Partnership, Heartland Alliance Teen Poverty & Youth Development Project Advisory Group, Metropolitan Board of Young Professionals, National Association for Self-Esteem, Austin Coming Together, Austin Early Childhood Collaborative, Pillars Health Services Advisory Committee, and the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention. Additionally, she serves as an educational contributor and consultant for The Bridge Teen Center.